Making it affordable: Nine tips for first time home buyers
It seems that everyone loves a good real estate story. The media is filled with reports about soaring property values and home owners of modest means becoming instant millionaires when they sell. As a result, many first time home buyers, afraid of missing out, will rush into buying decisions and ... more...

Top 10 FSBO Tips to Selling Your Home by Owner
By using some simple FSBO (For Sale by Owner) tips and techniques, the average homeowner can sell his or her own home without the assistance of a real estate agent. Just as many others have done in the past. You can sell your own home and save thousands, but it takes work and commitment.Below you ... more...

Life After Divorce- Surviving Financially
In the first few years after divorce, more often than not, the standard of living of both spouses drops. Why, because the same cumulative income and pool of assets now has to support two households instead of one. Unfortunately, most people don't prepare themselves financially or emotionally for ... more...

Condo Hotel Trends - A Look at the Big Picture in Vacation Home Ownership
Condo hotels are one of the hottest products in todays real estate market. New properties are cropping up in different parts of the country and new buyers are entering the market daily. Things have been moving so quickly in terms of condo hotels, but sometimes it's worth taking a moment to step ... more...

The Benefits of Fractional Ownership in Private Residence Clubs
A New Way to Own a Vacation Home - For the Select Few: Fractional ownership of vacation homes, also called private residence clubs, is a relatively new concept that allows you to enjoy four to 12 weeks of home ownership privileges per year at an upscale, luxury resort but at a fraction of the cost ... more...

Reinventing Real Estate, Part 1: Online and Empowered Consumers Are Taking Charge and Paying Less
For decades, the real estate world turned in a predictable manner. The roles of buyers, sellers and real estate professionals were fairly well defined and transactions followed a predictable path of yard signs, newspaper ads, open houses and miles of paperwork.Recently, online and empowered ... more...

Florida Investment Real Estate and What Are Considerations Before Buying
Investment Real Estate, First Things FirstConsidering investing in property? What are some pertinent things to consider before taking this leap? Of all the investment possibilities, investment in land generally produces the most positive results. It is vital, however, to carefully investigate ... more...

Pre Construction Investment Real Estate - Pros and Cons
Many people have been asking me Mark, why would I buy a brand new pre construction investment condo when I can buy an older one and fix it up and sell it? This is a good question. Some people do very well buying old fixer uppers and throwing in some new carpet and new paint and making a few bucks ... more...

How to Negotiate a Successful Short Sale
Anyone who has ever profited from doing a short sale has also without a doubt had one or two rejected at some point. Guess what? It is just the nature of the beastAs with all types of sales; youre playing a numbers game.There are very few investors who truly know how to successfully negotiate a ... more...

How to Buy Your First Condo Without Getting Burned
Well, here I am buying my first condo and boy am I learning alot.First I learned to pick a real estate agent I know or at least one who has been recommended. There are so many behind the scenes deals going on, with some of these realtors, that you can't tell whether they actually care if you get a ... more...

Things To Consider Before Buying a Condo Hotel or Resort Residence
Resort home ownership, such as condo hotels and fractional shares is different from typical home ownership. So it is important to ask certain questions before signing the purchase agreement on a resort property. The following list of questions typically applies to most types of resort property ... more...

10 Frequently Asked Short Sale Questions
1. What happens to the seller's credit rating when they allow an investor to short sell their property?What typically happens is the loan will show up as "paid" on their credit report; however there will be a notation that says "settled for less than originally owed" or something along these lines. ... more...

How To Sell Your Home FSBO
You decide to sell your home and believe you can handle the selling process. Good for You!Of course youre a little nervous and thats normal. You might stay awake at night wondering how long it is going to take to actually sell this home."Can I get my asking price?" You wonder.Yes it is possible to ... more...

Condo-Hotels A New Second-Home Alternative to Time Shares
Condo-hotels have evolved as a better, more reliable second home alternative to time-shares. They are usually attractive, high-rise hotels on the ocean or in other prime locations, and range in price from the mid $200,000s to over 1 million, depending on the size, location, and amenities.Many of ... more...

Financing Houses
What Real Estate Lenders Look ForLenders control many programs -- some make use of over 200! Generally, lenders look for the following typical standards, with many exceptions:1. Absolutely no late mortgage payments 2. Credit score above 580 3. If bankruptcy, no charge-offs or collection accounts ... more...

The Advantages of Buying a Home
Buying a Home is at the heart of the American Dream. It can bring happiness and provide a solid foundation for you and your family. It has many benefits, but the following three in particular Tax BreaksWhen compared to other investments, few can generate the healthy and long lasting tax breaks that ... more...

For Sale By Owner, What Are You Really Saving?
WHAT ARE YOU REALLY SAVING WHEN YOU SELL YOUR HOME YOURSELF?Most people who try to sell their homes themselves, will put "Brokers Welcome" in their ads, fact sheets and flyers. That is a great idea, considering that over 90% of all homes sold, are in fact sold by real estate agents, even For Sale ... more...